Microsoft Defender for EndpointEDR: Investigation & Response

EDR: Investigation & Response

25 mins

Understanding the Concept

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) in Defender for Endpoint provides deep visibility into endpoint activity through behavioral sensors, cloud analytics, and threat intelligence. It captures process creation, network connections, file modifications, registry changes, and more.

The device timeline shows a chronological view of all activities on an endpoint, allowing analysts to trace an attack from initial access through lateral movement to data exfiltration. Advanced filtering helps focus on suspicious behaviors.

Response actions include isolating the device from the network, running antivirus scans, collecting investigation packages, restricting app execution, and initiating live response sessions for manual investigation.

Key Points

  • EDR captures comprehensive endpoint telemetry
  • Device timeline shows chronological activity view
  • Alert evidence includes process trees and file details
  • Response actions: isolate, scan, collect package, restrict apps, live response
  • Live response enables remote investigation and remediation

EDR Investigation Flow

Step 1

Alert

Behavioral detection triggers alert

Step 2

Timeline

Review device activity chronologically

Step 3

Evidence

Examine process trees and file artifacts

Step 4

Response

Isolate, remediate, and recover

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

EDR provides the forensic depth needed to understand exactly what happened on an endpoint during an attack. Without EDR, analysts rely on limited antivirus logs and miss sophisticated attack techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using the device timeline for thorough investigation
Isolating devices without first collecting investigation packages
Ignoring process tree analysis which reveals attack chains
Not using live response for hands-on remediation

Interview Tips

  • Walk through your endpoint investigation methodology
  • Discuss specific response actions and when to use each

Exam Tips (SC-200)

  • Know all EDR response actions and their effects
  • Understand device timeline navigation
  • Know how to use live response for investigation

Course Complete!

You've finished all lessons

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